Hanada is a 32-year Kubota veteran who most recently held the position of executive officer, Kubota Corporation and president of Kubota Holdings Europe B.V. and Kverneland AS in the Netherlands and has previously spent time in the U.S. in various roles.

In conjunction with this announcement, the current President and CEO Haruyuki (Harry) Yoshida will retire from the role of senior managing executive officer, Kubota Corporation, Japan, and the position of president & CEO of KNA and KTC. Yoshida took the presidency of KNA and KTC in January 2019 and has successfully built and enhanced the regional functions and operations of Kubota North America as the company continues on its high-growth trajectory.

“Kubota Tractor Corporation will celebrate 50 years in the U.S. in 2022, and I’m honored to join KTC as we celebrate our history and our 50th anniversary. I am eager to continue the tremendous momentum Kubota has experienced over the last several years under Mr. Yoshida’s leadership. We are committed to expanding our product lines and building our infrastructure to better meet the needs of our customers and dealers, and I am confident we will continue to further strengthen the Kubota brand in the U.S. marketplace and throughout North America in the process,”

said Hanada.

The executive leadership announcements include a promotion for Todd Stucke, vice president, Sales and Marketing, KNA, and senior vice president, Marketing, Product Support & Strategic Projects, KTC, will be promoted to executive officer of Kubota Corporation, Japan, serving as senior vice president, Sales, and Marketing, KNA, in addition to maintaining his role as senior vice president for KTC. Stucke will be involved in Kubota Corporation’s operations and focus on building a robust business structure for the North American market, as the company continues to invest and grow in the U.S. and Canada.

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During a recent attachment demonstration at F&W Equipment’s Orange, Connecticut facility, the companies showed off Ransome’s Exac-One Mini Mower, Exac-One Model PTO300 Log Grapple, Black Splitter S2 800 Cone Splitter, and Gyru-Star Compact Screening Bucket, all of which are now available through F&W in its role as a stocking dealer for Ransome.

During the event, Regional Sales Manager Mark Laigle discussed the company’s addition of Ransome Attachments to F&W’s offerings.

“The more you can broaden your product line, the better off you and your customers are. We’re always looking for attachment opportunities. 90 percent of the time people buying a machine will buy an attachment. We can roll it all into one package,”

he says.

F&W’s connection to Ransome products began when one of Laigle’s regular customers asked if they could purchase a Black Splitter cone splitter from him. Laigle reached out to Eric Ransome, president of Ransome Attachments in New Jersey, and quickly recognized the opportunity to support F&W customers by stocking Ransome products.

F&W’s market position is strongest among midrange contractors that Laigle describes as small mom-and-pop companies with five or six employees. The F&W product portfolio includes Kubota compact and mid-size farm and landscaping equipment, and a full complement of Doosan excavators, wheel loaders, and compact construction equipment, as well as specialty attachments that broaden the capabilities of many of its machines.

Laigle says the Ransome attachments really complement F&W’s equipment lines, citing a recent example.

“My first sale of Ransome’s Gyru-Star Compact Screening Bucket was to Reynolds Nursery, a small nursery in Norwalk, Connecticut. They have customers that drop soil off all the time and they have to screen it through a screening machine, which takes forever. Reynolds was looking for some way to do it faster with a wheel loader. They bought a brand-new wheel loader from me, and I told them we could put the screener on the front of the new wheel loader they bought,”

he says.

Laigle did a product demo for them and says,

“They’re now screening like 20 yards of topsoil in no time at all, and it’s made their life so much easier. They go out of their way to call me and let me know that.”

As a stocking equipment distributor, F&W offers a higher level of service to its customers.

“We’ve grown our business on customer service. When our customer has a piece of equipment that’s down, we either have a part in stock, a replacement machine or a rental unit,”

Laigle says.

“In fact, my first question to Eric was, if a Ransome product comes out of the UK or Germany and I sell a mower to somebody that needs a bearing for the pump, is it going to take six months to get it? We keep in stock the most commonly needed replacement parts here in New Jersey. We are also very fortunate to work with such great manufacturers who can send parts directly to our customers quickly and cost-effectively.”

Eric Ransome assured Laigle that his company stands behind its products.

Laigle notes another benefit of being a stocking distributor.

“I think contractors expect that if something breaks, it’s going to take a day or two to get fixed. As we sell more and more items, the normal wear and tear stuff, if a customer’s attachment goes down, I can give him a rental unit to use while we’re getting parts. Almost every single piece of equipment we sell is available for rental,”

he adds.

“Because F&W is a small family-owned business, this is what we live for. Ransome is the type of teammate we’re looking for, someone that’s going to provide us customer service so that we can provide it to our end-users. We’ve got to get after Eric to get some more products!”

Laigle laughs.

“We are excited to be working with F&W Equipment as its excellent reputation is well known in the area and our quality attachments complement their lines of equipment. I really see it as a mutually beneficial partnership that will continue to grow,”

says Eric Ransome.

The post F&W Equipment Brings Ransome’s Unique Attachments to Connecticut appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Cogniac Corporation has partnered with Doosan Bobcat North America. Bobcat, a global compact equipment leader, is implementing Cogniac’s proprietary visual data processing platform within the manufacturing warehouse kitting inspection process. This move will increase operational efficiencies, boost productivity and reduce material handling times, all part of Bobcat’s commitment to quality and drive for innovation.

“We’re excited about this partnership as it demonstrates the efficacy of the Cogniac systems. Our technology is designed to be additive to the manufacturing processes, offering companies the ability to increase the safety and standards of their products. Bobcat was a great choice for a partnership because they are pushing to innovate and adopt technology as a core pillar of their growth strategy,”

said Chuck Myers, CEO of Cogniac.

Companies are often already collecting useful visual data, making the Cogniac technology virtually plug-and-play. Cogniac’s Visual Operations Intelligence Platform offers customers the ability to process, in real-time, large amounts of visual data collected for inspection, flagging them to a human operator for review. The system also allows for more strategic distribution of employees to projects requiring the human touch which maximizes workforce productivity. Cogniac has built its platform to be a no-code solution designed for non-technical users and eminently user-friendly to allow for quick adoption and integration into existing workflows.

Bobcat leverages visual data in their warehouse to inspect bulk materials and parts for any potential inconsistencies to create precise kits to be used for downstream manufacturing processes. Ensuring a high level of accuracy on the assembly line is a key factor in work efficiency and commitment to quality at Bobcat. The company is committed to adopting the next evolution in advancing manufacturing technology to make operations smarter and eliminate production downtime.

“Cogniac has produced a world-class technology platform. Given our long history of innovation and focus on technology at Bobcat, the Cogniac system provides significant benefits for us, leading to higher efficiencies and optimized quality control in our processes,”

said Russ Honeyman, vice president of Quality Management at Doosan Bobcat North America.

The partnership currently serves the Bobcat operations and warehouse in Otsego, Minnesota.

The post Cogniac Provides Doosan Bobcat with AI Visual Operations Intelligence Platform appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Chestnut brings with him over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development leadership. Before joining DIS, he was vice president of sales and customer support at Faithlife, where he helped the company to nearly double its annual revenue in 4 years. Chestnut previously held leadership positions with Microsoft, including general manager of worldwide business development and marketing for Microsoft’s OEM channel, and general manager in, communications sector, where he led sales and business development for Microsoft’s network service provider channel.

“I am excited to join the industry leader in dealer management solutions for agriculture, construction, and heavy equipment dealers and look forward to being able to help drive the next wave of growth for DIS,”

says Chestnut.

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Growmark, Inc. held its annual meeting in a virtual online event. Hundreds of people from across North America, including shareholders, boards of directors, and friends of the Growmark System all participated in the interactive live broadcast.

Normally the Growmark Annual Meeting happens every August at the Hilton Chicago, but in an effort to keep everyone safe and comply with Illinois mitigation measures, the decision was made to hold it virtually after the fiscal year closed on August 31^st.

“With mitigation measures evolving every week in Illinois, we had to continually adapt to keep our team members safe while also delivering an informative and interactive meeting for Growmark System stakeholders. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive and allowed a broader audience to participate that may not have been able to travel to Chicago in past years.”

said Cliff Dolbeare, manager of corporate programming.

Holding the meeting in December allowed for audited financial results to be presented in full, and also bring an update after the acquisition of certain Southern States Cooperative agronomy and energy assets.

“We grow not just to get bigger but to get better. The recent partnership with the Southern States is an opportunity for us to do both. Growmark pursues expansion opportunities if they allow us to serve more farmers and benefit the current farmer-owners of the Growmark System. We are especially open to partnerships with farmers who value the cooperative business model. That’s why the Southern States agreement is such a good fit. I’m very excited about this partnership and want to welcome the Southern States and 46 local cooperatives to the System.”

said Growmark Chairman of the Board and President John Reifsteck.

“Since we closed over two months ago, we have made great strides in synchronizing operations. As John mentioned, all forty-six Southern States’ members signed special membership agreements. Growmark ’s Energy and Agronomy employees are engaged with our new Growmark members, seeking to earn their business every day. I’m pleased to say the partnership is designed to help each other succeed.”

added Growmark CEO, Jim Spradlin.

Despite the challenges from COVID-19, a devastating derecho storm in key Midwest markets, and energy volatility in the markets, Growmark Chief Financial Officer Wade Mittelstadt said the financial performance was very respectable with strong earnings from operations. Growmark was able to distribute nearly $66 million in patronage distributions to shareholders this year.

“Growmark continues to maintain our strong financial position, excellent liquidity and we are well-positioned for long-term growth. We continue to focus on delivering solid financial results and maintaining a strong and efficient distribution network. We are committed to executing on our GROW enterprise strategy, and to delivering an unsurpassed customer experience. Our balanced approach to prioritizing capital positions us for growth which creates value for shareholders rewards shareholders with solid returns and provides financial flexibility for Growmark to take advantage of marketplace opportunities.”

added Mittelstadt.

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AGCO Corporation received eight AE50 Awards from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) for 2021, a significant achievement for an agricultural equipment manufacturing company just marking its 30th anniversary. Each year, 50 products are chosen by an international panel of industry experts as the most outstanding innovations in engineering and technology for agricultural, food, and biological systems.

The 2021 AE50 Award-winning products from AGCO include:

• Fendt Momentum planter
• Fendt IDEALdrive steering system
• 9350 DynaFlex draper header with AutoDock header docking system for Fendt IDEAL combines
• Fendt 700 Gen6 Series tractors
• Fendt 1100 Vario MT Series track tractors
• Fendt TeachIn Headland Turn Assistant
• Precision Planting FurrowForce two-stage closing system
• Intelligent Agricultural Solutions’ Engage SpreadControl for TerraGator  Air-Max Precision application systems

“AGCO is proud to be recognized for so many of our advanced technologies. Though just 30 years old, the company is built upon the legacy of brands with more than 500 years of combined experience bringing innovations to farmers. These award-winning products reflect that spirit and our continued quest to design and engineer smart, innovative equipment and agronomic-focused solutions for farmers around the globe. This recognition clearly demonstrates AGCO’s investment in and commitment to helping make farmers’ lives easier and their operations more productive and sustainable.”

says Brad Arnold, senior vice president, Global Crop Cycle and Fuse Connected Services at AGCO.

AE50 winning products are selected based on their innovation, significant engineering advancement, and impact on the market served. The AE50 award program is sponsored by Resource, the membership publication of ASABE, to emphasize the role of new and redesigned products and systems in bringing advanced technology to the marketplace. The 2021 awards will be presented during ASABE’s 25th Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference, to be held virtually in February 2021.

The Fendt Momentum planter from AGCO is a revolutionary high-capacity, a high-speed planter that effectively addresses planter soil compaction while setting a new standard for seed placement accuracy on contours and in challenging planting conditions. The in-line tandem transport wheels with wide very-high flexion tires eliminate planter pinch rows. The optional smart Load Logic system hydraulically concentrates weight on the center transport wheels or constantly transfers it across the planter while automatically adjusting the tire inflation pressure to minimize yield-robbing compaction. Momentum’s dual-toolbar SmartFrame features a vertical contouring toolbar with row-unit travel up to 68 inches to maintain ground contact and uniform planting depth, even over terraces, for even seedling emergence and optimum yields. Models for 2021 range from 16R30 to 48R15.

The Fendt IDEALdrive steering system, the industry’s first joystick steering control system on a conventional combine harvester, eliminates the steering wheel and steering column on the Fendt IDEAL combine and gives the operator an unobstructed, end-to-end view of the combine header. The intelligent-control joystick on the left-side armrest requires 65% less muscle activity to operate than a steering wheel, reducing operator stress and fatigue during long hours of harvesting. A university ergonomics study comparing different steering technologies showed joystick steering increases productivity by 6%. Control is easy and precise in the field and on the road. IDEALdrive is an option on all IDEAL TrakRide combines for delivery in 2021.

The 9350 DynaFlex draper header with AutoDock header docking system is a new 50-foot flexible header with the industry’s first automatic system for attaching all mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic connections of the header to the Fendt IDEAL combine. The combine operator pulls up to the header, lifts it from the ground or trailer, and pushes a button in the cab. Using guide pins and hydraulic actuators, AutoDock connects the drives on both sides of the header and connects all systems with a single-point coupler while mechanically latching the header – all in five seconds. The 9350 header with AutoDock improves harvest productivity for a number of crops with its width and ground-hugging flexibility.

The new Fendt 700 Gen6 Series premium high-horsepower tractors deliver versatility, comfort, and easy operation. AGCO engineers completely redesigned the operator station, and the innovative new FendtONE operator interface provides a streamlined and highly efficient work environment. It features a 12-inch primary display on the armrest, an optional 12-inch pull-down display recessed into the roof liner, and a 10-inch “digital dashboard” on the steering column. The 12-inch displays operate in unison, allowing the operator to choose and view up to 12 panels of information across the two screens. Navigation is easy and intuitive, like using a smartphone. The 700 Gen6 Series tractors can be adjusted to narrow and wide row spacings and are available in six models with engine horsepower ranging from 144 to 237.

The new Fendt 1100 Vario MT Series track tractors combine proven innovations from AGCO’s 30 years of experience in tracked tractors with newly engineered features that elevate operator comfort and in-field performance. The entirely new Fendt iD powertrain delivers a high-torque, low-engine speed concept through the use of the VarioDrive continuously variable transmission (CVT). All tractor functions, including CVT, PTO, cooling system, and hydraulics, are geared to run at optimum levels with the engine speed in a working range of 1100-1500 rpm. These innovations lower fuel consumption, reduce engine and component wear, and provide extra-quiet operation.

The smart technology of the Fendt TeachIn Headland Turn Assistant manages all the steps for precise and efficient hands-free turning of a tractor and implement at the field edge. Unlike other systems, it self-adjusts within the parameters set for that field and it includes a field overview map, allowing the operator to see each turn. The system has two modes. Traditional U-Turn mode completes headland turns, and Part Field mode completes turns in areas of the field that require a specific pattern, such as skip rows during a deep tillage operation. Both modes make the operator’s job easier, save time, reduce fuel use, and result in smoother turns, causing less impact on the soil.

FurrowForce from Precision Planting is an automated planter closing and soil density management system. FurrowForce operates in two stages: one to aggressively close the furrow and the second to firm soil so it maintains moisture for seed germination. A weight sensor measures load in the second stage and automatically adjusts the force applied to the unit to maintain consistent firming force. With FurrowForce the operator can be confident that the furrow is being properly closed and firmed without having to constantly adjust pressure. FurrowForce also eliminates the need to choose from the many closing wheels available on the market today.

Engage SpreadControl, the industry’s first and only retrofittable quarter-boom section control for dry fertilizer applicators (“floaters”), reduces swath control from 35 feet to 17.5 feet on TerraGator Air-Max Precision systems. This innovative new product from Intelligent Agricultural Solutions reduces the amount of overlap per field by 3-5% or more. Increasing the precision of a floater allows operators to apply more product in the right place at the right rate while reducing application costs through saved fertilizer and other efficiencies.

Source: AGCO

The post AGCO Innovations Earn Eight 2021 AE50 Awards appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Väderstad is preparing for its upcoming CEO succession. In February 2022, Henrik Gilstring will take over as President and CEO. Henrik represents the third generation of the owner’s family and is currently part of Group Management.

Continuity, sustainability, and innovation have served as important guiding principles for Väderstad since the company’s inception almost 60 years ago. The company’s Board of Directors has now secured the CEO succession well in advance and preparations have begun for current CEO Mats Båverud to step down.

The Board of Directors and Group Management have clearly defined the direction forward through a well-planned CEO succession based on Väderstad’s strong values, says Crister Stark, Chair of the Board for Väderstad Group.

Through longstanding ownership and strong commitment, from both the owners and employees, we continue to create innovation, drive, and stability. The decision gives good conditions for an efficient and smooth handover, and a rejuvenation of the CEO role, says Crister Stark, Chairman of the Board of Väderstad Group.

Henrik Gilstring has previously been appointed deputy CEO of Väderstad Group and, from February 2022, he will take up his post as Group CEO.

I’m looking forward to continuing to drive Väderstad forward sustainably and to ensure that, as a company, we are able to adapt to the challenges and opportunities ahead, both with regard to agricultural development in general and in terms of new political and global ground rules, says Henrik.

Väderstad has an acclaimed history of innovation, strong customer relationships, and growth. This is a very exciting journey and it is progressing towards new goals. We have every opportunity to continue growing and evolving as a company, as a partner to our customers, and as an employer.

Henrik Gilstring is 35 years old and represents the third generation of the owner’s family. He is the son of Christina Stark, owner of the second generation, and Gert Gilstring, who currently works as a senior design engineer at Väderstad. Among other things, Gert Gilstring is the brains behind “The Gilstring Seed Meter” – the unique metering system in Väderstad’s Tempo machines, which is a big part of the reason for Tempo’s huge sales success worldwide. He has also been involved in several of the company’s other success concepts.

Henrik Gilstring has worked at Väderstad since 2012 and currently serves as Vice President for Business Development and is a member of Group Management. Henrik has a background as an economist with a degree in business administration from the Stockholm School of Economics. Prior to his present role in Väderstad, Henrik served as a business controller of production, sales and marketing, and product development. He also worked on issues related to product management and strategy and served on the board. Before joining Väderstad, Henrik worked for Boston Consulting Group in Stockholm.

“I look forward to handing over the reins to Henrik, whose solid knowledge of the company’s business, products, and markets, along with extensive experience and understanding of diverse company operations, will make him an exemplary leader of Väderstad”,

says CEO Mats Båverud.

Source: Vaderstad

The post Väderstad Welcomes new CEO appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Pete was working in the shop with Hercules Machinery in Sterling, Va., a family-owned pile driving equipment business in the 1970s. After recognizing Pete’s stature in the market with local contractors, former ECA President Ben Dutton forged a connection with him in an effort to expand ECA’s footprint into the region.

ECA opened its fledgling Washington branch in the late 1970s with Pete at the helm. In fact, he worked from home in the early days. ECA Washington was focused primarily on pile hammers at the time, but Pete helped to fuel the company’s much greater aspirations.

“Pete was instrumental in getting ECA started in the foundation drilling business, starting a dealer relationship with Krupp in the mid-1980s, followed by Hütte and KLEMM,”

says CEO Roy Kern.

“This early foray into small-diameter drilling gave us a big head start on many of our competitors, and to this day, foundation drilling is our biggest market.”

Pete’s exceptional mechanical aptitude earned him respect with many foundation contractors and drove ECA Washington’s expansion. Some even suggested he could build a complete KLEMM, Krupp, or Hütte drilling rig with his eyes closed. Schell, whose starting salary with ECA in 1976 was $23,000, went on to contribute more than $7 million in profits over his career during a time when $1 million was a substantial sum for ECA.

Pete’s influence extended far beyond ECA Washington’s territory. His core territory was Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, but his true reach was east of Mississippi.

CEO Roy Kern said in Pete’s eulogy:

“Pete has moved on to a better place to be reunited with Jesus and his wife Christl, and he’s probably designing the ultimate drill rig with Michelangelo as I speak. He was a great man and his legacy lives on – at ECA and in all of you.”

Pete retired in 2013, but his legacy lives on through his son, Dave. He followed in Pete’s footsteps in 2006 and currently serves as Corporate Director of Parts & Service at ECA Washington. Dave wears the watch presented to Pete at his retirement dinner in 2014 to remind him of his father’s service to the company. The watch inscription reads “1976 – 2013,” but it seems the Schell name will be alive and well at ECA for decades to come.

The article was written by Brian M. Fraley Fraley Construction Marketing

The post ECA Remembers ECA’s Pete Schell appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

AGCO announced Louisa Parker-Smith Director of Global Sustainability, a newly created position that will oversee the company’s sustainability and environmental initiatives.

Ms. Parker-Smith, who joined AGCO in 2012 as manager of Institutional Funding and Stakeholder Relations, moves to her new role after serving as the global human resources business partner for several of AGCO’s business operations.

She has also served as a manager of marketing, public relations, and communications in Africa and the Middle East region; director of Distribution Development in Africa; and as a special assistant to the company’s CEO, Martin Richenhagen. Ms. Parker-Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in politics and international studies from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.

“Louisa brings a broad cross-section of experiences that will allow deeper insight into how we can continue to make sustainability one of the core components of our business and strategic direction. While we have made progress on a wide range of sustainability initiatives, we are aware everyone must do more if we are to avoid the negative impacts of climate change, particularly on the global food supply.”

said Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s current chief operating officer and upcoming chairman and CEO.

With Parker-Smith’s new appointment, AGCO is underscoring its commitment to making sustainability a business priority while providing farmers the tools they need to meet the challenge of feeding a growing population using fewer natural resources. The company plans to release its next sustainability report in 2021 and enhance its current practice of providing transparency on its material issues.

Ms. Parker-Smith said:

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help bring a sharper focus on the many sustainability projects across the company and develop new programs that will have significant benefits for our customers and society. We recognize the agriculture industry is a key part of the solution to combatting climate change, and we are committed to bringing smart solutions to our farmer customers to increase sustainable agricultural practices across the globe.”

AGCO has undertaken a range of sustainability efforts to reduce energy use and carbon emissions at its facilities as well as conserving water use and minimizing waste. The company’s Valtra plant in Finland was the first major tractor factory in the world to begin using Neste MY Renewable Diesel as the start-up fuel for all new tractors, saving nearly 2 million kg of CO2 emissions which equals the annual output of approximately 630 diesel cars.

Source: AGCO

The post AGCO names new director of Global Sustainability appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Both Massey and Britt will report to Brandt regional sales manager, Dan Pinther. They will focus on selling the company’s proprietary foliar nutrient technology, Brandt Manni-Plex, and Brandt Smart System, as well as a wide range of sustainable crop inputs.

Massey holds an M.S. degree in weed science from Mississippi State University and a B.S. from Oklahoma State University. He has five years of agriculture and crop protection experience, including vertebrate eradication and crop protection. Massey will cover Oregon, western Washington, and western Canada.

Britt has 10 years of agriculture and crop production experience. He has a B.A. degree in Communications from the University of Hawaii. Britt will focus on eastern Washington and central Canada.

John Guglielmi, Brandt National Sales Director, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Cody and Nate to the Brandt family. They have extensive hands-on experience in crop production and will bring a tremendous amount of value to our customers.”

Massey and Britt will work alongside Brandt’s current Pacific Northwest territory sales manager, Rich Soweiralski.

Source: Brandt

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